The host, who clocked up 6,082 episodes over more than 30 years on tele, looked barely recognisable as he attended the Little Kids Rock Benefit show in New York last night.

Gone was his clean-shaven look, replaced with bushy new facial hair some have dubbed his "retirement beard".

David Letterman on stage during the Little Kids Rock Benefit (Image: Getty)

David Letterman's clean-shaven look

Still, if he's looking for a new job he could always try a stint as Santa Claus.

Rather fittingly, the former Late Show host presented the Big Man of the Year award to his long-term sidekick Paul Shaffer.

The 68-year-old looked very dapper despite his impressively gruff beard and was kitted out in a navy blue suit, a white shirt and striped tie.

The star filmed his last episode of the Late Show in May.

David Letterman's fuzzy new look (Image: Getty)

Is he fur real? (Image: Getty)

He was given a huge send-off and bid his viewers an emotional farewell, saying: "The people who watch this show, there's nothing I can do to ever repay you. Thank you for everything. You've given me everything."

The Indiana-born host clocked up a total of 6,082 episodes since his debut on late night television in February 1982.